Military News / Veterans Report

Resolution Creates Medal of Honor Day
A resolution passed recently by the U.S. Senate designates March 25, 2007 as "National Medal of Honor Day." The day is set aside to acknowledge the more than 3,400 individuals who have received the nation's highest honor. According the Medal of Honor Society, there are presently only 111 living individuals who have received the Medal of Honor. For more information, visit the Home of Heroes website
and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society website.

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New Pentagon Channel Website Debuts
The Pentagon Channel at http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/ launched a redesign of its website last week. In addition to its current features of video on demand, live video streaming and podcasting, the redesigned site, adds two new, highly interactive features. The first includes I-frame technology that allows users to save and send Pentagon Channel video clips so that they can be shared beyond the site. The second is the addition of an upload tool that enables users to upload videos. Pentagonchannel.mil also will work on both IBM-style personal computers and Apple's Mac computers, using Flash 7.0 technology to push out video content.

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Warrior Transition Program Helps Seabees
A unique program is helping Navy Seabees returning from duty in the global war on terrorism make the transition back to normal life. The Warrior Transition Program is designed to reduce the negative effects of deployment and combat stress while focusing on healing the body, mind and spirit. Under this program, the Seabees spend three to five days in a safe area attending group-sessions and classes where they can relax, reflect on their experiences and think about how they will communicate these experiences with their families, friends and others once home. The Seabees are the only branch of the military to use such a transitional area for this purpose. The program may eventually serve the entire Navy.
Information about transitioning, visit the Military.com Transition Center.

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THE LEFT
“Providing aid and comfort to the enemy in wartime is treason. It’s not ‘just politics.’ It’s treason. And signaling our enemies that Congress wants them to win isn’t ‘supporting our troops.’ The ‘non-binding resolution’ telling the world that we intend to surrender to terrorism and abandon Iraq [was] disgraceful... The vote was a huge morale booster for al Qaeda, for Iraq’s Sunni insurgents, and for the worst of the Shia militias. The message Congress just sent to them all was, ‘Hold on, we’ll stop the surge, we’re going to leave—and you can slaughter the innocent with our blessing.’
We’ve reached a low point in the history of our government when a substantial number of legislators would welcome an American defeat in Iraq for domestic political advantage. ... And a word about those troops: It’s going to come as a shock to the massive egos in Congress, but this resolution won’t hurt morale—for the simple reason that our men and women in uniform have such low expectations of our politicians that they’ll shrug this off as business as usual.” — Ralph Peters

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"You do not create terrorism by fighting terrorism. If that ever becomes the mind-set of the policymakers in Washington, it means we'll go back to the old days of waiting to be attacked -and then respond[ing]."
President Bush September 30, 2006

These Colors Don't Run

Veterans Vow to ‘Protect Our Memorials’ During Anti-War Rally
When protesters arrive in Washington, D.C., on March 17 to mark the fourth anniversary of the "criminal invasion of Iraq," they'll be met by members of several veterans' organizations determined to protect memorials from being damaged during the demonstrations.

"We're going to be there to protect our memorials and to show support for our troops," Artie Muller, founder and executive director of the group Rolling Thunder, told Cybercast News Service on Thursday.
My name is Debbie Argel Bastian. I am the proud mother of Capt. Derek Argel, who was killed in action on Memorial Day, 2005 in the course of his service in Operation Iraqi Freedom. It would be important to my son not to dwell on the circumstances surrounding his passing, but on his life and his brothers in Special Ops.

I was raised the daughter of a career Marine and a Navy nurse. I served in the Army, and am a Viet Nam era Vet. Service before self was a common phrase in our home. Derek felt that way since the 6th grade. He knew that the military was his duty, and never questioned that.

The military is our family. Each and every person who serves this country is my son or daughter.

I am joining Move America Forward's "THESE COLORS DON'T RUN" caravan and the "Gathering of Eagles" event in Washington, D.C. to support our troops at home and out of the country. My goal is to let them know that I appreciate their service, and all who have served.

We will join with many other groups in DC that carry the same message.

Sometimes I think people forget that their one voice, when combined with those of so many others, can make a real and powerful impact. Together we can make a difference, but as separate groups or individuals we will not have the same power to truly support our troops and show them that America loves and supports them. Will you please join with us in supporting this effort?
You can find out how to join our caravan, where our rally stops will be and other important information at the Move America Forward website:
http://www.moveamericaforward.org/ or click the banner.
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Hillary's phony coat of armor

Look out: Hillary Clinton is pulling the armor cloak from her rhetorical closet again. As long as she pairs it with a skirt, Italian designer Donatella Versace approves. But for any leading presidential candidate with a shred of integrity, this political wardrobe malfunction goes in the "fashion don't" column.

In her latest campaign video, Hillary attacks the Bush administration for sending soldiers off to battle unprotected: "Promises just aren't enough anymore. After almost four years, longer than we were in WWII, our troops still don't have all the body armor and armored vehicles and other equipment they need. It's a disgrace."

The Democrats' latest talking point involves a reported shortage of armored Humvees in Iraq. The armchair generals of The New York Times editorial board waxed indignantly about the story last week — lambasting the "Army, the National Guard and the Marine Corps" for being "caught constantly behind the curve" on armor upgrades. The Times' editorial titled their anti-Bush tirade, "Not supporting the troops." The meme has penetrated from Hillary and Ted Kennedy down to every last, lowest-level Democratic strategist looking to burnish pro-military credibility.

Capt. Matt Schoenfeldt, who serves as a gunner in Iraq's Diyala province, also sent me his reaction:

"I would first like to point out that this is just one more attempt by the liberals to take an extremely complicated situation, look at one small aspect of the story, and then invent the story that they [want] to tell. We have over 70,000 M1114 Up-Armored HMMWVs in theater right now. With that said, it is remarkable that we would be able to retro-fit this number of vehicles with armor in this short time period while still conducting 24-hour combat operations. . . . In addition to the upgrades to all of these 70,000-plus M1114s, the Army has upgraded every vehicle that travels out in sector; from ballistic glass for Track Commanders on Tanks and Bradleys, to armored doors and glass for support vehicles, and everything in between. There is not a single vehicle that goes out in sector that has not been upgraded for threats specific to Iraq. By Michelle Malkin

The following is from Rush.com
HILLARY: This president was allowed for too long to commit blunder after blunder under cover of darkness provided by an allied Republican Congress.

RUSH: What the hell is she talking about? He invaded Iraq in the sunshine with your blessing! It was all done during the daytime. Might have been some nighttime votes, but the cameras were -- what is this under cover of darkness business? Once again she was tricked. All that needs to happen for Hillary Clinton to miss something is for the sun to go down. You know, if she is elected president, it will be nighttime at times. Here she is on Saturday at this town hall. Unidentified reporter said, “I remain troubled, though, about your position on Iraq and your unwillingness to apologize to the American people for your vote to authorize the war.” That just can't be a reporter. This has to be some derelict member of the audience. Unidentified reporter would say this? Anyway, here's her answer.

HILLARY: If the most important thing to any of you is choosing someone who did not cast that vote or who has said his vote was a mistake, then there are others to choose from. But to me, the most important thing now is trying to end this war. If the president won't end this war before he leaves office, then I will, and I have a very good idea about how that can and should be done.

RUSH: Yeah, and I bet it's smarter and clearer, and then on her website she says the redeployment would start in 90 days.

HILLARY: Now it's time to say the redeployment should start in 90 days or the Congress will revoke authorization for this war.

RUSH: Let's go back. We quoted this, October 10th, 2002. This is Mrs. Clinton. She's not going to apologize, Bush tricked her, if she'd have known then what she knows how, she wouldn't have voted for it. Let's listen to her on the Senate floor, October 10th, 2002.

HILLARY: Today, Mr. President, we are asked whether to give the president of the United States authority to use force in Iraq should diplomatic efforts fail to dismantle Saddam Hussein’s chemical and biological weapons and his nuclear program. In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stocks, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including Al-Qaeda members. It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons. So it is with conviction that I support this resolution as being in the best interests of our nation. It is a vote that says clearly to Saddam Hussein, “This is your last chance. Disarm or be disarmed.” This is a very difficult vote. This is probably the hardest decision I've ever had to make.

RUSH: Why?

HILLARY: Any vote that might lead to war should be hard.

RUSH: Yes.

HILLARY: But I cast it with conviction.

RUSH: Now, she knows that the Drive-Bys are not going to go back and revive that. She knows that nowhere on CNN will that ever be played. She knows that nowhere on PMSNBC will that ever be played. She knows that nowhere on ABC, CBS, NBC, New York Times, Washington Post, LA Times will that ever be reprinted. Only we here in the new media have the courage to go back and put her in juxtaposition today and yesterday, then and now, as she attempts to say Bush tricked her. I didn't hear anything in that statement about "the president says" and "the president's intelligence agencies" are telling us. She made it sound like she had researched it, and that it was a vote of conviction. The woman is a fraud, and the Democrats are allowing the kook fringe of their base to determine the foreign policy of this country, at least as they articulate it. Audio Link
Clinton Objects to Confederate Flag

Stop Her Now

USS Cole Trial to Proceed

NORFOLK, Va. - A federal judge said Thursday he plans to proceed with a trial next month of a $105 million lawsuit against the Sudanese government filed by families of the 17 Sailors killed in the USS Cole bombing.

The lawsuit alleges that Sudan's government provided financial and training support to al-Qaida, including the militants who planned the attack on the Norfolk-based Navy destroyer in the Aden, Yemen, harbor on Oct. 12, 2000.

About 50 people - including R. James Woolsey, former CIA director under President Clinton - already have been questioned and the judge will receive their depositions so they will not take the stand, Hall said. One or two expert witnesses and four family members will testify in person, he said.
Side bar: Bill Clinton's Terrorism FAILURES!

Foreign citizens ordinarily are immune from lawsuits in U.S. courts, but Congress amended the law in 1996 to allow victims to seek monetary damages against countries classified as state sponsors of terrorism. More

Appeal for Courage by Active Military

If you are active duty, reservist or national guard, please Sign this Appeal.
If Not: Please forward to your relatives, and friends in the Military.
Click the envelope below.

http://appealforcourage.org/

The wording of the Appeal for Redress is:
As an American currently serving my nation in uniform, I respectfully urge my political leaders in Congress to fully support our mission in Iraq and halt any calls for retreat. I also respectfully urge my political leaders to actively oppose media efforts which embolden my enemy while demoralizing American support at home. The War in Iraq is a necessary and just effort to bring freedom to the Middle East and protect America from further attack.
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Military / Veterans Report

March Brings Women's History Month
March 2007 marks the 20th annual observance of Women's History Month, which was declared by Congress in 1987. For more information about Women's History Month visit the Navy's Office of Women's Policy website, the National Women's History Project website, the National Women's History Museum website, and the Women in Military Service for America Memorial.

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2008 Proposed Military Pay Charts
If the President's budget is passed by congress the proposed 3 percent raise will go into effect on January 1, 2008. Although 3 percent may seem inadequate, it is larger than last years 2.2 percent pay raise, which was the smallest increase since 1994. To see the proposed pay raise, visit the 2008 Proposed Military Pay Charts

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23 More VA Vet Centers Coming
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) vet center program, which provides readjustment counseling and outreach services to combat veterans, is expanding into 23 new communities across the nation in the next two years. New vet centers will open in Montgomery, Ala.; Fayetteville, Ark.; Modesto, Calif.; Grand Junction, Colo.; Orlando, Fort Myers, and Gainesville, Fla.; Macon, Ga.; Manhattan, Kan.; Baton Rouge, La.; Cape Cod, Mass.; Saginaw and Iron Mountain, Mich.; Berlin, N.H.; Las Cruces, N.M.; Binghamton, Middletown, Nassau County and Watertown, N.Y.; Toledo, Ohio; Du Bois, Penn.; Killeen, Texas; and Everett, Wash. during 2007 and 2008. All vet centers provide counseling on mental health and employment, plus services on family issues, education, bereavement and outreach, to combat veterans and their families. learn more about veteran benefits

Baghdad Security Plan Officially Named

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 2007
The government of Iraq and the coalition officially announced the name for the Baghdad security plan yesterday. The operation is named "Fardh Al-Qanoon," an Iraqi phrase that translates to "Enforcing the Law."
The title was agreed upon by the Iraqi government, with the support of coalition leaders, and reflects the Iraqi-led nature of the operation, military officials said.

"The plan is imposing the law on anyone who violates it," Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said.

Under the Baghdad security plan, the Iraqi government will increase security forces in the city to partner with increased coalition troops. The Iraqi army, police, and coalition forces will live together in joint security stations throughout Baghdad to be closer to the Iraqi people they are protecting, officials said. The additional forces will also enable the coalition to create more transition teams to assist, teach and coach the Iraqi security forces.

The latest iteration of the Baghdad security plan was announced Feb. 13 by Iraqi Lt. Gen. Abboud Gambar, the officer in charge of the plan. He announced a 72-hour closure of some border crossings along the Iranian and Syrian borders, restrictions on civil liberties and the suspension of weapons licenses except for permits issued to authorized security officials and contractors. (From a Multinational Force Iraq news release.)
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Heart Warming Story

Coast Guard Races to Save Infant
HALO-Flight, an organization created to provide medical transportation for the critically ill, was not flying, both of their helicopters were down for repairs. A worried mother from Brownsville, Texas, didn't know what to do or what was going to happen. Her two-day-old son lay in an incubator suffering from shock. He was further burdened with breathing and heart problems. The infant needed special medical care, but the closest available help was the Driscoll Children's Hospital, 160 miles away in Corpus Christi, Texas. Continued
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The Man Who Would Not Be King

On February 19, many Americans will take the day off to celebrate George Washington’s birthday—erroneously called “President’s Day” in many quarters.

Contrary to popular opinion, though, no act of Congress or order by any president has changed Washington’s Birthday to ‘Presidents Day,’

After the war, there were calls for Washington to claim formal political power. Indeed, seven months after the victory at Yorktown, one of his officers suggested what many thought only reasonable in the context of the 18th century: that America should establish a monarchy and that Washington should become king. A shocked Washington immediately rejected the offer out of hand as both inappropriate and dishonorable, and demanded the topic never be raised again.
<--snip-->
By year's end, Washington, victorious in war, proceeded voluntarily to resign his military commission. When he stepped down again, after his second term as president, a dumbfounded King George III proclaimed him "the greatest character of the age." His peaceful transfer of the presidency to John Adams in 1797 inaugurated one of America's greatest democratic traditions. The Man Who Would Not Be King
The Declaration of Independence
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NBC's Engel: 'All Told Me It's Time to End This War'

During a recent dispatch from Iraq, NBC's Richard Engel made it sound like he had talked to every soldier in Iraq. He reported that "All told me it's time to end this war."

Wow! How in the world was he able to get the opinion of every soldier in Iraq?

The truth is, no soldier told him that. Instead, his story featured just one sound bite from a Staff Sergeant with the First Infantry Division who never actually said it was time to end the war. Apparently in NBC's journalism handbook, when reporting on the war the truth is optional--especially when the reporter has such a strong grasp on hyperbole! NewsBusters

Democrats in Aid to Insurgents [UPDATE]

ABC Showcases Take from Soldiers in Iraq on
Anti-Surge Resolution: 'Sick' & 'Treason'
Of the broadcast network evening newscast stories Tuesday night on the House debate over the non-binding resolution that "disapproves of the decision of President George W. Bush...to deploy more than 20,000 additional United States combat troops to Iraq," only ABC's Jake Tapper included the views of soldiers in Iraq. Tapper's report on World News featured soundbites from two Army Sergeants in Ramadi, and both condemned the resolution. First Sergeant Louis Barnum declared: "It makes me sick. I was born and raised a Democrat, but when I see that it just kind of makes me sad." Sergeant Brian Orzechoski went even further: "I don't want to bad-mouth the President at all. I mean, to me it's treason."

[This item was posted Tuesday night, with audio/video, on the MRC's blog. The clip will be added to the posted version of this CyberAlert. (Audio is over-modulated, but that's how it aired on ABC's DC station.) But in the meantime, to listen to the MP3 audio, or to watch the Real or Windows Media, go to: newsbusters.org ]


DEMS START EFFORT TO DISAPPROVE
House Democrat leaders circulated a nonbinding resolution yesterday saying that Congress "disapproves of the decision of President George W. Bush . . . to deploy more than 20,000 additional United States combat troops to Iraq."

The measure, expected to come to a vote by Friday, also says that "Congress and the American people will continue to support and protect the members of the United States armed forces who are serving, or who have served, bravely and honorably in Iraq." The only thing they support is CUT AND RUN.

Debate on the resolution is scheduled to begin today. It will mark the first debate in Congress on the war since Democrats won control of the House and Senate in last November's elections.

Democrat leaders in the House and Senate have vowed to force an end to U.S. participation in the war, and made debate over a nonbinding resolution a symbolic first step.

Democrats in Aid to Insurgents
It is a shocker, but the AP actually let loose a kernel of truth about the situation in Iraq in one of their reports for a change. To wit, if Iraqi insurgents wait long enough, the USA will leave and they can come back on the scene with guns blazing and knives sharpened for decapitations.

In the streets of Sadr City, the strategy of Muqtada al-Sadr, the Shiite militia leader, is clear: Lie low, avoid a showdown and hope to emerge even stronger after the Americans leave.

Leaders like al-Sadr know that the media and the Democrats are on their side. As Osama bin Laden’s chief lieutenant, Sheikh Ayman Muhammad al-Zawahiri , said in an intercepted letter, "I say to you: that we are in a battle, and that more than half of this battle is taking place in the battlefield of the media." by Warner Todd Huston

Is Bush No Longer Fit for Command?

Does George W. Bush ever read objective news about the impact that "good hearted, hardworking" illegal aliens are having in America?

Is he aware of the fact that Los Angeles, the illegal alien capitol of America, is now also the gang capitol as well?

Moreover, is our out-of-touch president even vaguely aware of the following facts and figures from the Los Angeles Times and other news outlets:

* 40% of workers in Los Angeles County work for cash and pay no taxes, because they are predominantly illegal aliens without green cards.

* 95% of murder warrants issued in Los Angeles are for illegal aliens.

* 75% of those on the "most wanted" list in Los Angeles are illegal aliens.

* Over 67% of all births in Los Angeles County are to illegal aliens.
(Mexican births paid for by U.S. taxpayers.)

* Nearly 25% of all inmates in California detention centers are here illegally.

* Over 300,000 illegal aliens in Los Angeles County are living in garages.

* 50% of all gang members in Los Angeles are most likely illegal aliens from south of the border, according to FBI reports.

* 60% of all occupants in HUD properties are illegal aliens.

* 21 radio stations in Los Angeles are Spanish-language.

* In Los Angeles County, 5.1 million people speak English, while
3.9 million speak Spanish.

* Less than 2% of illegal aliens are picking our crops, but 29% are on welfare.

* In 1997, the net cost of immigration to American taxpayers was $70 billion. The lifetime fiscal impact (taxes paid minus services received) for the average adult Mexican immigrant is a negative number.

* 29% of inmates in federal prisons are illegal aliens.

During a time of war, our president should be acting to protect the American people by securing our borders, enforcing all immigration laws, and by deporting those here illegally.

Why is George W. Bush more concerned about third-world peasants from Mexico than he is about tax-paying, patriotic American citizens?

The big question: Has George W. Bush suffered an emotional or mental breakdown making him unfit--or MORE unfit--for office?

How else to explain Bush's mindless drive to destroy America?
by John Lillpop
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Military Humor / Squawks

"Squawks" are problem listings that pilots generally leave for maintenance crews to fix before the next flight. Here are some squawks submitted by US Air Force pilots and the replies from the maintenance crews.

(P)=PROBLEM (S)=SOLUTION

(P) Left inside main tire almost needs replacement
(S) Almost replaced left inside main tire

(P) Test flight OK, except autoland very rough
(S) Autoland not installed on this aircraft

(P) #2 Propeller seeping prop fluid
(S) #2 Propeller seepage normal - #1 #3 and #4 propellers
lack normal seepage

(P) Something loose in cockpit
(S) Something tightened in cockpit

(P) Evidence of leak on right main landing gear
(S) Evidence removed

(P) DME volume unbelievably loud
(S) Volume set to more believable level

(P) Dead bugs on windshield
(S) Live bugs on order

(P) Autopilot in altitude hold mode produces a 200 fpm descent
(S) Cannot reproduce problem on ground

(P) IFF inoperative
(S) IFF always inoperative in OFF mode
(IFF-Identification Friend or Foe)

(P) Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick
(S) That's what they're there for

(P) Number three engine missing
(S) Engine found on right wing after brief search

(P) Aircraft handles funny
(S) Aircraft warned to straighten up, "fly right" and be serious!

(P) Target Radar hums
(S) Reprogrammed Target Radar with the lyrics.
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Military / Veterans Report

Military Channel's 'Operation V-Day' Nears
Beginning at 6 a.m. on Feb. 14, Discovery Communications' Military Channel plans to launch "Operation V-Day," a 24-hour commercial-free airing of messages from troops around the world to their loved ones in the states.

The channel also plans to begin airing troop-recorded videos for a new feature showing the personal stories of the men and women stationed overseas.

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Let me tell you about why you guys own about 90 percent of the backbone in the whole world right now and should be happy with yourselves and proud of whom you are.
<--snip-->
Do you know how important you are? Do you know how indispensable you are? Do you know how humbly grateful any of us who has a head on his shoulders is to you? Do you know that if you never do another thing in your lives, you will always still be heroes? That we could live without Hollywood or Wall Street or the NFL, but we cannot live for a week without you?
<--snip-->
You are everything to us, as we go through our little days, and you are in the prayers of the nation and of every decent man and woman on the planet. That's who you are and what you mean. I hope you know that. Full Article

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Cyber Thieves Target Travel Card Holders
Servicemembers should be on the lookout for suspicious e-mails asking for personal account information relating to government travel charge cards. Cyber extortionists have attempted to steal identities by posing as representatives from Bank of America, the company that handles government charge accounts. The extortionists solicit information using scare tactics such as claiming that an account will be cancelled unless the user renews information on another site. The thieves are getting people to enter their personal information, and they are gaining access to their accounts. With that information, they can set up a credit card in a person's name and ruin their credit.

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States Declare Silver Star Day
Thanks to the efforts of Silver Star Families of America, the states of Indiana, New Mexico, Illinois, North Carolina, and Louisiana have proclaimed May 1 as "Silver Star Day" to honor the nation's wounded servicemembers. The group would like to establish May 1 as a national day of observance in every state that would honor America's wounded servicemembers. Individuals wanting to help represent Silver Star Day in a their state should contact Janie Orman, the group's vice president, or Steve Newton, Silver Star Families of America's president and co-founder. For more information, including contact information, visit the Silver Star Families website.

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VA Promotes Weight Management
The MOVE! program - "Managing Overweight Veterans Everywhere" - encourages veterans enrolled in VA care to get in shape and also offers information to family members and anyone trying to lose weight at www.move.va.gov where a questionnaire helps identify personal barriers to weight control. The questions link to about 100 informational materials on the site. VA started MOVE! to encourage veterans to increase their physical activity and improve their nutrition.

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Featured Career Events: Military.com Career Fairs
Meet top employers looking for all military, from skilled enlisted ranks to experienced non-commission officers and junior military officers at a Military.com Career Fair in your area....More